The fifth annual report ranked schools based on various aspects of their sexual health programs. The University ranked 29th in 2008, 34th in 2007 and received its highest ranking, sixth, in 2006.
Sperling’s BestPlaces, an independent research company, compiled the report. Researchers used survey data collected from student health centers and student opinion polls across 12 different categories, which included condom availability, health center hours, access to HIV tests and the availability of tests for other sexually transmitted infections.
Schools received a letter grade for each of the 12 categories and those grades were compiled into a cumulative GPA that reflected their performance for the year.
The GPA does not reflect the level of sexual activity on campus or the incidence of sexually transmitted infections on campus, said Bert Sperling, president of Sperling’s BestPlaces. He explained that the company looks for resources that allow students to make the best possible decisions regarding sexual health.
The top five schools in the rankings, in order, were Columbia; Michigan State University; the Ohio State University; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and Brown. Other schools with improved rankings included Harvard, which jumped 46 spots to 16th, from 62nd, and Rutgers, which jumped 43 spots to ninth, from 52.
Survey data showed that Princeton scored 8 out of 10 in the HIV/STI testing component of the report card, Sperling said. Princeton’s University Health Services recently announced that it will offer reduced rates for STI testing beginning in November, a policy change that could lead to an improved score in this area, Sperling explained. He noted the importance of making testing as inexpensive as possible.
“It’s great that the sexual health environment at Princeton is improving,” said Irfan Kherani ‘11, president of the peer-advising group Student Health Advisers, noting that SHA will continue to push for a safer sexual health environment.
Sexual health services offered at UHS include STI treatment, pregnancy and HIV testing, sexual health counseling, and various other forms of assistance.
“Our clinicians are knowledgeable and provide compassionate, personalized care in a discreet and confidential manner,” said John Kolligian, executive director of UHS. Kolligian declined to comment on the University’s ranking on the Trojan report card.
Despite the University’s improved ranking, students said they felt the University has adequately provided for their sexual health needs.
“You can definitely find more information [on sexual health] if you want,” Ying Fan ’11 said. She expressed her approval of free condom distribution and freshman programs like “safer sex jeopardy” and Sex on a Saturday Night.
Despite the relative shift in rankings, Sperling noted, “all the schools we looked at are improving. Nobody is sliding backward and becoming worse.”
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